Development of Agribusiness Enterprises - Asian Productivity ...

Private Sector-led Development
The government will not compete with, or crowd out, the private sector. Rather, it
supports agribusiness entrepreneurs through market identification, institutional development,
product promotion, and investment matching/promotion.
Advanced Technology-based Development
The initiatives of research and development institutions are geared towards product
extension through continuous innovation, in order to expand agribusiness industries and
provide convenient, ready-to-cook, attractive, high quality and nutritious consumer items.
Minimal Government Subsidy
The government, through the departments concerned, will focus on public investments
in infrastructure such as irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities,
terminal markets and essential “public goods”.
Trade Liberalization
In compliance with policies of the World Trade Organization, the Asia-Pacific Economic
Cooperation forum and the Asian Free Trade Area, the Philippines is liberalizing trade in
agribusiness.
Broad-based and Transparent Program Implementation
The Department of Agriculture initiates and mobilizes the participation of private
organizations, NGOs, Agriculture and Fishery Councils, and the state colleges and universities
in order to integrate the involvement of key sector players.
AGRIBUSINESS ENTERPRISE SUPPORT PROGRAMS
To face the challenges of globalization, the Department of Agriculture is implementing
seven MAKA-Masa Programs: (a) grains program (rice and corn); (b) livestock program;
(c) fisheries program; (d) high-value commercial crops program; (e) abaca program; (f) coconut
program; and (g) sugar program. In support of these programs, the Agribusiness and Marketing
Assistance Service (AMAS) of the Department of Agriculture undertakes the ongoing projects
described below:
Market Promotion Activity
This is a proactive partnership between private sector/agribusiness entrepreneurs and
AMAS in collaboration with other department units. Activities include regional agri-fairs (15
regions) and two national agri-fairs (Agri-Aqua Fair in May 2000, and Agrilink in October
2000). Internationally, AMAS regularly participates in the following international exhibitions:
C Foodex, Japan 2000 (March 2000)
C SIAL Beijing, China (May 2000)
C Royal Show, United Kingdom (July 2000)
C Producers and Supermarket Show, Anaheim, California (October 2000).
In 2000, the Department of Agriculture spent P=25 million and generated booked sales/advance
orders valued at US$300 million.
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